Body Stress Release was developed by South Africans, Ewald and Gail Meggersee in the early 1980s, in response to Ewald’s own crippling adversity, which had plagued him since a fall from a tree when he was five.
Body Stress Release is a gentle, non-manipulative bodywork technique that brings effective relief from all forms of pain, tension and discomfort. It is carried out on a client fully-clothed. An appointment lasts 30-45 minutes and when a client books, three appointments are recommended initially.
Body Stress Release uses information provided by the body to determine where abnormal muscle tension is undermining the efficiency of the nervous system and disturbing the body’s ability to co-ordinate its functioning. The moves in BSR are referred to as ‘releases’. Gentle tests are conducted, working along the client’s spine and other areas of the body. The practitioner will locate the body stress, using the body as a biofeedback mechanism.
The results of the tests are ‘read’ by the practitioner, observing the reaction at the client’s feet. This is referred to as ‘reading the monitor.’
Once the tension – or body stress – is located, it is ‘released’ using light but definite pressure. This does not hurt. Some people find the ‘releases’ so relaxing that they will fall asleep.’Releasing’ may be rapid, but if stress has been stored for a long time, more releases may be required over a period of time. This is because the tight, protective layers of muscle tend to relax back to their normal tone, in stages.
Clients are then provided with feedback on findings. Simple self-help techniques are suggested and advice is given on the importance of good posture and correct exercising.
Whilst Body Stress Release is not a diagnosis of any particular disease or treatment of symptoms, most people seek help for relief from musculo-skeletal pain or discomfort such as back and neck ache, repetitive strain injury, slipped discs, arthritis, headaches and migraines and also respiratory, gastro-intestinaldisorders, gynaecological problems, emotional worries and general fatigue.